This page is about the wizard version of the spell. For the priest version, see Detect Evil (priest).
Detect Evil is used by a wizard to detect any evil creature within range.
Description[]
| “ | This spell discovers emanations of evil from any creature. Any evil creature within the range of the spell will glow red briefly. | ” |
Gameplay[]
This spell is automatically directed over the caster, and when it is finished the spell's effects are applied to every creature in a 30-foot radius.
Creatures with evil alignment will briefly pulse with a red glow rendered on the creature's sprite.
Additionally, text is displayed identifying each creature (by name) who is evil.
Magic resistance can block this spell, as can a Minor Globe of Invulnerability or Spell Immuity: Divination.
A Non-Detection spell will not shield against Detect Evil.
Any information gleaned from this spell is up to the player to use as deemed necessary.
Within the game's plots and scenarios, the use of this spell has subjective benefit, and is never required in order to advance the game or solve a quest.
Usage notes[]
Although Detect Evil functions like it does in pen-and-paper D&D, it has unexpected utility in Baldur's Gate. The natural inclination would be to use it to detect potential threats, but there are many false positives using this method. There are numerous, helpful evil characters and many hostile ones of neutral alignment. Making decisions based purely on Detect Evil's results can be dangerous for the player. Additionally, Detect Evil will scan every creature on the map, thus giving the player immediate knowledge of what they could expect to encounter. The caster will also be made aware of magically resistant creatures, whether they are evil-aligned or not. It is best used on a new, unexplored map so the player can anticipate the size and power of random encounters. In Throne of Bhaal, use of this spell will call hostiles to the player's location, as being scanned will be interpreted as an attack.
Additional note[]
This spell is incorrectly listed as a level 1 spell in its description in the original Shadows of Amn and Throne of Bhaal games.
Where to obtain its scroll[]
Baldur's Gate[]
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn[]
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal[]
Gallery[]
Mod content[]
The Spell Revisions mod has no direct equivalent to this spell, and this Wizard spell is removed from the game, including scrolls.
The mod's first level wizard spell Detect Alignment can fulfill the party's needs to determine evil, good or neutral alignment with this one spell.
External links[]
- Detect Evil (wizard) on the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the first Icewind Dale game.
- Detect evil on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.
- Advanced D&D 2nd Edition Wiki - Detect Evil (Wizard Spell)